break ground

1. Also, break new ground.

2. Begin digging into the earth for new construction of some kind. For example, When will they break ground for the town hall? This usage alludes to breaking up the land with a plow. [Early 1700s]

3. Take the first steps for a new venture; advance beyond previous achievements. For example, Jeff is breaking new ground in intellectual property law . [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

The city has yet to even break ground despite holding years of community meetings.

From Los Angeles Times

As he filed away his notes and prepared to break ground, he reflected once more on all the years it took to reach this first milestone.

From Los Angeles Times

The project to add seven stations and expand service on the line to Hancock Park, Century City, Beverly Hills and Westwood broke ground more than a decade ago.

From Los Angeles Times

He has been a regular visitor to both courses over the years, the last time being in 2023 when he broke ground on a second course at the site in Aberdeenshire.

From BBC

A major terminal operator at the Port of Long Beach broke ground on a $365-million expansion project Friday, even as activity at the port has cooled recently in response to rising tariffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commence 
• create 
• do 
• establish 
• found 
• go ahead 
• go into 
• inaugurate 
• initiate 
• introduce 
• launch 
• lead 
• make 
• open 
• prepare 
• produce 
• set up 
• start 
• undertake